A Guide to Library Etiquette

Many libraries are now more informal than they used to be years ago, but people should still be careful to display the correct library etiquette whenever they visit a library.

A Guide to Library Etiquette: Noise Level

Traditionally, libraries were places where people could visit for a quiet time of study and where they could curl up with a good book to read without any disturbance. In order to help maintain this quiet environment, librarians used to go round and remind noisy people of the need to be quiet in the library. However, many libraries are now much noisier than they used to be and this can be off putting for people who still seek out their local library for a period of quiet time to themselves. The proper way to behave in a library is to be mindful of your surroundings and others around you. That means keeping the noise level down to a minimum and to go outside if you are with friends who wish to have a conversation.

A library is not a social club, so noise should still be kept low by people who visit libraries. Young children should be supervised by their parents or guardians and taught how to show proper respect inside a library by keeping the noise down. Shouting, screaming and abusive language is not acceptable inside a library. If a librarian catches anyone behaving in such a way, they will ask the people responsible to leave.

A Guide to Library Etiquette: Eating

Some libraries have cafes and restaurants attached to them. But they will not be located within the confines of the library itself. As such, people should only eat in designated areas set aside for eating. Eating inside a library is bad manners and should be avoided. If you must eat something, do so outside the library and then come back in again when you have finished eating.

A Guide to Library Etiquette: Computer Use

Public libraries offer patrons the use of their computers, usually at no cost. But you must abide by the rules and regulations at all times. That means you must not download or view any pornographic material. If a popup comes onto your screen that is pornographic in nature, be sure to report it to the librarian immediately. That way, you will not risk losing your library privileges if the librarian comes across it on your screen. If your local library only offers limited computer usage, make sure you do not stay on the computer any longer than your allotted time. Thirty minutes should equal thirty minutes and an hour should only be an hour, unless you are allowed to stay for longer if no one else is waiting for a computer.

Those who are waiting to use a computer should exercise patience and good manners by avoiding approaching people already on a computer and checking to see when their time will be up. It is rude to do so. If at all possible, simply wait your turn and amuse yourself in some other way until your turn comes up.

A Guide to Library Etiquette: Co-operate with the Librarian

Librarians have a difficult job to do. It is not a simple case of returning books to the correct shelves and collecting overdue fees. They must deal with the general public on a day to day basis and this can be very stressful, particularly if patrons are rude and unco-operative. If there is a late fee to pay, do not argue with the librarian. Just pay the fee and let it go. Or if you cannot renew a book because there is another hold on it, just accept that there are others who want the book that you have checked out. Losing your temper with the librarian will not help matters and you may be barred from the library if you appear threatening.

These are just a few ways in which people can show the correct library etiquette. As long as you remember your manners and are aware of the feelings of others, you should not any worries at the local library.